Sunday, November 27, 2011

Tandem Bicycle Commuting Mystery Machine: What's In That Box?

I've seen my share of repurposed bicycles in the world, from hog carrier to portable blade sharpening system to barber shop on wheels to beer keg transportation. In one southern city in China, I saw a bicycle modified nicely to tow a balance scale on which the proprietor would weigh you for a small fee. But the modified tandem in the photo I took, above, has me stumped. With a wheel mounted sideways, and some sort of protuberance(s) sticking off the front, I'm not sure or even slightly certain about What's In That Box (WITB).

Only two things I am pretty sure about regarding this machine, in fact: if I see him again (and I marked well the time and place of his passing, not that this is a stalking deal, but I gots to know) I'm chasing him down and doing an aggressive OSG investigative interview, and also, that it is probably some sort of work-related, money-making business on wheels setup. Probably. Technically this is bicycle commuting, if that's the case. WITB bicycle commuting.So....What's In That Box? Theories? Your sketches of how a PTO (power take-off) arrangement works with this particular box would be very welcome. Where he parks, does some mechanical reconfiguring, and is able to pedal the tandem and power, say, an ice cream maker inside the box. For example. Which would be awesome.

Whatever is in that box, I'm pretty sure that front suspension fork is unnecessary. I could chat with him about that, too. Unless he is riding out to deliver bikemade ice cream to mountain bikers. Whoa.

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Let's Just Ride

I commute by bicycle in Phoenix, Arizona, a metropolis suited to riding bicycles of all types, with weather, mountains, roads, canals, and paths to keep me forever spinning. My favorite bike tools are an open mind, creative engagement, curiosity, compassion, common ground, and the search for knowledge.

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